Elizabeth Bailey
A healthy gut protects against diseases and prevents stress and depression. So it seems only logical to properly “detoxify” the intestines. But what does the “internal cleansing” actually do?
Pain in the lower abdomen, diarrhea, and flatulence are just a few of the symptoms when the “alert in the intestines” is once again heard. In about 70 percent of people in Germany, the intestines grumble and bloat and sometimes hurt so badly that it is uncomfortable.”
A common misconception, which is particularly popular with non-medical practitioners, is that so-called “detoxification” (an enema is usually used) has a positive effect on the intestines. The term “intestinal detoxification” is misleading. Because this is associated with the fact that all kinds of “toxins” are deposited in our intestines and hurt the intestinal flora. Which isn’t true. As the German Society for Nutrition (DGE) explained, “unusable substances are excreted via the intestines and kidneys”. Doctors, therefore, consider colon cleansing using an enema to be unnecessary. What’s more, an enema can even be harmful to people with kidney problems.
In contrast to colon cleansing, colon cleansing can have a lasting, positive effect. Especially when many of the so-called “good gut bacteria” have been destroyed due to illness and medication.
Intestinal cleansing: build up the intestinal flora properly
If the intestines are colonized with harmful bacteria or fungi (intestinal dysbiosis) – for example as a result of antibiotic therapy – intestinal cleansing is often recommended. Intestinal cleansing is a process that aims to “recover a healthy intestinal flora”.* It consists of:
- Complete emptying of the bowel (laxative)
- therapeutic fasting
- Ingestion of dubious (physiological bacteria) and a diet based on lactic acid products such as yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut
- Avoiding refined flour and sugar
In healthy people (between 20 and 40 years of age), intestinal cleansing should not last longer than four weeks but should be carried out for at least two weeks.
Lose weight with a colon cleanse?
Various diet promises are based on properly “detoxifying” the body beforehand. The so-called detox diets are not promising success for a long-term weight loss effect. It is true that the body, if it has been trimmed for years on sugar and white flour, usually does not utilize the food as efficiently. Intestinal cleansing followed by a change in eating habits can lead to the intestines working more efficiently, which can lead to weight loss. But only if you change your diet in the long term. So if you want to benefit from the detox effect in the long term, you should not rely on a lightning diet, but work on your habits.
Home remedies and tips for a natural “detoxification” of the intestine
Get your intestinal flora going again – you can do that very easily with natural means. These foods support your intestinal flora:
- Jerusalem Artichoke
- garlic
- Onion
- Leek
- asparagus
- broccoli
- Beetroot
- melons
- peach
- Soluble fiber (psyllium husk)
- buttermilk
- yogurt
- kefir
